Dallas, Texas and Dallas the Dog

From Thanksgiving on our life was going to be a bit crazy.  We had a trip planned, plus the holidays, plus foot surgery for me.  Because of all of that, we decorated our tree early! Now that the kids are getting big, it amazes me at how quickly the tree gets decorated!

November 19th

November 20th

After church and Sunday School, we headed out for The Great Wolf Lodge in Dallas, Texas.  We arrived late evening, but that didn't stop us from hitting the water park.  

(I don't think Sam knew what to do with his wolf ears!)

Their My favorite part was that this was inside our room!  Opposite this single bed was a set of bunk beds.  It was like they had their own room inside our room!

I have just a few pictures from inside the park.  We left our phones (and everything else) inside the room and just played as a family.  I did run get my phone for just a few pictures!

This was headed up to our favorite ride--what we called the family ride because we could all fit in one raft.  We did this ride over and over and over!

This was the scariest ride--only room for 4!

Sam and I took this selfie just to show Zeb in the background.  He got several good quick naps this week!

Sam's FAVORITE place--the wave pool!  He spent tons of time in here--even just by himself!

We stayed 2 nights which was just right for us.  The girls met these cousins on the last day and played with them for hours and hours!

We got back around midnight Tuesday night because Zeb had a full load in clinic on Wednesday and we had to go get Dallas!  I think it's funny we ended up going straight from Dallas, Texas to get Dallas.  He was not named after this trip.  Austin, our sweet pup of 14 years, was named after Mario Austin a great Mississippi State basketball player.  So we felt we needed to keep with the tradition and name him after another great MSU athlete.  Since he is kind of a sissy dog-Dak or Dakota just didn't seem to fit.  So he is named Dallas for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys!  We are smitten!  And he's already doubled in size!  So...it's just coincidence that both dogs have Texas city names!

Whole 30 Favorites

A few months ago, Zeb and I did Whole 30 to see if we could figure out if I had any food triggers for Crohn's.  We were super strict and careful--the kids ate it at night because I only cook one dinner!  We had some really good food and I have had lots of people ask me for my favorite recipes.  I am going to try to put a couple on here every few days.

This first one we were having prior to Whole 30--we just had to cut out the feta or the mozzarella.  I don't have measurements for it--but it's easy to eyeball.  This is super easy to prep while the kids are in school and then it comes together in 15 minutes.  We eat this as a one dish meal.

Chicken with Zucchini Noodles:
Ingredients:
Spiralize Zucchini and put aside:  I usually do 4 small ones for my family and this step can be done
       earlier in the day.
Cut chicken in bite size pieces.  I do 3 chicken breasts and I do this earlier in the day.
Cherry Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Garlic, crushed or chopped small
S/P

Salt and Pepper the chicken and saute in olive oil in a dutch oven until cooked through. Pull the chicken out and set aside.  Add olive oil to the pan (I add a good bit).  Throw in cherry tomatoes.  I cook these until they are blistered.  When almost done I add  the garlic.  Then break up the tomatoes. Throw in the zucchini noodles.  Cook these as little or as long as you like.  My family likes them cooked until they are soft.  Add in chicken. Toss Together.    (If not doing whole 30-add in either fresh mozzarella or feta cheese)

This started out as Chicken Alfredo, but didn't end up that way!  This was probably my favorite.  It was so rich and creamy!  I don't even know what to call it.

Ingredients:  

Spaghetti Squash

butternut squash (I bought already cut up)

Chicken, 2 breasts

Bacon, 4 pieces chopped (I buy whole 30 approved at Whole Foods)

Can of Coconut Milk

S/P

Garlic powder

oregano

frozen peas, 1/2 bag

Cut spaghetti squash in half.  Sprinkle with olive oil and roast 45 minutes on 450 degrees.  Roast butternut squash for about 20 minutes.  

At the same time cook the chicken.  Sprinkle with salt/pepper and olive oil.  Cook for 20 minutes on 450 degrees and then pull out and cover in foil for 5 minutes. Shred or chop chicken.

Cook 4 pieces of chopped bacon and then wipe out (but not clean) the grease.  

Add the butternut squash and 3/4 can of coconut milk.  Salt and pepper it along with a good amount of garlic pepper.  Add a few dashes of oregano.  Mash with a potato masher.  

Throw in frozen peas, chopped chicken, bacon, spaghetti squash, and mix together.  

This can be served as a one pot meal or serve with a salad or vegetable.

A Big Weekend

We made the most of this long and gorgeous weekend! My grandparents took me to the fair and now my parents have continued the tradition.  The best we can remember, we've been going to the fair for 32 years.  Most years, my sister Elizabeth and her family are able to come!  This was one of those years.  

We got to the fair a few minutes before everyone else and jumped on a ride--well everyone but me.

Of course we hit up the petting zoo.

I found a cool spot to sit to give Ayres her bottle!

Millie Ruth's first fair ride--safe to say that she is hooked!

Someone got a little motion sick...

This was the first time we have gotten corn at the fair--it won't be the last.  That stuff is good!

Saturday morning we were up and going.  First off we had family pictures and then Sam had the last two soccer games!  Both girls finished a book on the fields.

Finishing the year with a  trophy!

After rest time we headed up to the farm.

All smiles leaving on the gator...

 and then we saw them walking back--ha ha.  The gator had broken down!

Sam spent a lot of the afternoon in my lap--poor guy--he had a 102 fever by the time we got home and no voice!

 Sam and I spent Sunday at home while everyone went to church and lunch.  That afternoon the girls went back to the farm to spend the night!  

I'm sad I missed the s'mores--maybe my favorite dessert!